Not-Intended-for-Herps Products You Use??

Hey guys. I know Sterilite and Rubbermaid tubs obviously aren't "made" for herpers, but we all use them everyday (I always wondered if Sterilite knew what their storage tubs were being used for?). I was wondering what other products you've found that aren't "made" for herps but work great and help you out!

For me it's:

Dawn dish soap - mild enough to be used directly on a snake if need be, but tough enough to be used on stubborn, dried on poop on tubs.

F10 Disinfectant - 'nough said! Works great!

Latch n' Vent - http://www.latchnvent.com/ I keep the litterbox in the snake room and I have a beagle who loves to eat kitty poop (gross!) so I needed a method to be able to let the cats into the room and keep the dogs out. I couldn't install a "kitty door" in the door to the room since I live in a rental. This product works great for that. It installs in place of the metal plate on the frame of the door and holds the door open enough to let kitties through but keep dogs out (it comes with a few different arms for different sizes). I also like the fact that it keeps the heat in the room while still allowing a little airflow (I can easily keep my snake room at 80 degrees with just a oil filled heater even with the door open a few inches). I will admit that walking in and out of the room take a little training on your part because you have to teach yourself not to hit this arm sticking out and break it, but once you're used to it it's not too bad.

Hydofarm Thermostat - This is a great cheap lil on-off thermostat. Obviously not intended for use with herps as the ones from Helix and Spyder Robotics are, it works great for running a single UTH.

Rheostat - Originally intended for use as a light dimmer (I think?), this works on UTH's and dome lamps in a pinch when a thermostat isn't available.

Gram Scale - Intended for use in the kitchen, this is a valuable tool for tracking your reptiles' weight.

That's all I can think of right now (I'm sure I'm leaving some stuff out). What other stuff do you guys use that wasn't made with herps in mind?

For me, PVC pipes (Carpet Python perches)

Paper towels/newspaper/butcher's paper/corrugated wrap...

Acurite thermometer/hygrometers

Ceramic Dog dishes

Pavers/bricks (to keep screen tops secured to glass tanks) and on that train of thought, I guess I could even say glass aquariums lol

I'm currently using 12 volt DC fans to increase ventilation in my PVC cages... those fans are designed for cooling DC brushless motor speed controllers (for industrial and robotic applications)

Let's see what I have...

- cat litter pans as water bowls.
- acu-rites.
- f-10 and chlorhexidine.
- pvc pipe perches.
- binder clips.
- luggage straps.
- unscented baby wipes.
- Vick's Vapor Rub.
- Neosporin

Sent from my Motorola ATRIX using Tapatalk 2.

Melamin
Listerin
Newspapers
Dollar store dog/cat bowls
Votive candle holders

Oh boy, don't get me started! I walk around places looking for things to repurpose for our enclosures that are better than the "typical" pet store availability. One of my favorites is a replacement for our first crested's climbing structure which developed a mold problem. Basically, I broke it down so the bottom is now the "top" and took off the back so it makes sort of a bubble ladder climbing structure and plant support mechanism. I like IKEA because they always tell you what it is made of!

Plastic Bag Holder

Haha, I just noticed the description said, "Ideal for storage of plastic bags, toilet/kitchen rolls, gloves, socks, etc." Apparently, "etc" includes the "storage" of geckos!:P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Gram Scale - Intended for use in the kitchen

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Among other things... :bolt:

Scales
flash light (spot checking!)
toilet brush for scrubbing
floor brush
industrial steam cleaner
plastic kitchen scraper
F10 (sc, scxd, wipes, hand soap, hand sanitizer)
CHG
Povidone
shop vac
binder clips
flexwatt

What do you use Listerin mouth wash for???? :confuzd::confuzd:

Floor heater
Hemostats
Foil Tape

Listerine, I believe (as seen on snake bytes), is to make a snake let go if it bites you! I think he said to rub some on the snout area and they will let go!

Self explanatory items:

Kitchen gram scale
Paper towels
F10 & Chlorhexidine
Dawn dish soap
Hydrofarm t-stat
Accurites
Small ceramic dog dishes
Binder clips
Neosporine

Deserving some explanation:

Dragonwood vine perches (originally for birds, these make wonderful natural perches that do not encourage mold growth)
Closet clothing pole brackets (for holding perches so the perches can be removed easily, they look like shallow circular cups that hold the pole - U-shaped)
Cat litter pans (for large boa hides)
Listerine (I use this as a quick, gentle disinfectant, but it can sometimes work for getting a snake to let go - sometimes, lol)

I am just going to point out that Eucalyptus (all parts) are quite toxic to reptiles and Listerine contains Eucalyptus Oil (aka EUCALYPTOL) I would be very leery of using a know toxin with reptiles. Alcohol straight would be safer, you already use f10 I'd suggest that instead. I use f10 wipes myself...

I'll leave out the various cleaning and scrubbing supplies and disinfectants.

PVC pipe (hides and egg-laying places for geckos)

PureNess pet dishes from Van Ness. (I love these things SO much--smooth underside, 'finger holds' smoothed, and perfect sizes to double as water dishes and hides. The smallest size fits into hatchling bins perfectly, can't be tipped. Easy to clean and disinfect).

Plant chemical sprayer--pressurized with a hand pump, these are great for misting everything quickly.

Soldering iron. :D

I use a Lexan body reamer from the RC car hobby to make the holes in my IRIS tubs.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

What do you use Listerin mouth wash for???? :confuzd::confuzd:

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We use it to clean our tubs and cages. We've tried it with latched on snake bites, but it didn't work for us.

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Originally Posted by heathers*bps

We use it to clean our tubs and cages. We've tried it with latched on snake bites, but it didn't work for us.

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Isn't that very expensive? and potentially toxic...?

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Originally Posted by sho220

Among other things... :bolt:

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Glad i wasnt the only one on that train of though ;)

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

Glad i wasnt the only one on that train of though ;)

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Haha so awkward going into Walmart and getting a scale.

Walmart employee: what can I help you with?

Me: I need a scale that measures in grams, it's for my snake..

Walmart employee: for your snake...riiiiiight. ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

Haha so awkward going into Walmart and getting a scale.

Walmart employee: what can I help you with?

Me: I need a scale that measures in grams, it's for my snake..

Walmart employee: for your snake...riiiiiight. ;)

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Easier here in Canada they all measure in grams!

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

Isn't that very expensive? and potentially toxic...?

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No its not expensive at all. We get the huge bottles, plus its extremely watered down so it lasts a long while.

I honestly have never heard it being toxic until you mentioned it. I know numerous other herpers who use listerin. We've been using it for 6+ years.

Listerine is used as a universal everything! It can get ticks off, disinfect, clear up rain rot (horse fungus), and I don't think it's harmful. I mean, it was made with partial ingestion in mind.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

Haha so awkward going into Walmart and getting a scale.

Walmart employee: what can I help you with?

Me: I need a scale that measures in grams, it's for my snake..

Walmart employee: for your snake...riiiiiight. ;)

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I made it as awkward for the employee as possible. (its just my personality to but peoples balls lol). Right after he showed me where the scale was, i asked where the ziploc baggies were, but i said i needed the smallest size he had. He was like, "sorry sir, i think the smallest size we have is the sandwich size". Lmao

Quote:

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Originally Posted by heathers*bps

No its not expensive at all. We get the huge bottles, plus its extremely watered down so it lasts a long while.

I honestly have never heard it being toxic until you mentioned it. I know numerous other herpers who use listerin. We've been using it for 6+ years.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kiyayiya

Listerine is used as a universal everything! It can get ticks off, disinfect, clear up rain rot (horse fungus), and I don't think it's harmful. I mean, it was made with partial ingestion in mind.

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I can't say but Eucalyptus is listed as toxic for herps (http://www.peteducation.com/article....+1913&aid=1612) and the primary ingredient is EUCALYPTOL refined Eucalyptus oil, Thymol is from thyme and is as I know it a photochemical and menthol is mint and peppermint products. I could only guess at the effectiveness diluted but I believe the ethanol is the germ killing ingredient and it is only effective to 40%. I don't know what % in in listerine but diluted much at all it is likely not doing much as a disinfectant. The question remains how important is disinfectants? I believe the misuse is quite high and there seem to be no ill effects.

I am confused, are people saying f10 is not intended for snakes? My bottle has a picture of a pied ball and a gecko on the label. I am pretty sure this is exactly what it is for.

(Listerin the original one) not mint or any others work perfect for mouth rot or any mouth problem.i used it on my blond pastel that had a mouth problem.i flushed his mouth twice a day and it cleared up in 3wks and is back on feed and do 100% great.

(silverdine) i think that i might be spelled wrong but its use is for babbies with diaper rash.works great for burns,belly rot,etc.used it on a friends snake that had belly rot and cleared it up in a month and could never tell if he ever had a problem and is doing great.

(ml seringes) great for flushing snakes mouths.

(docter q-tip swabs) great for geting derbis out of snakes mouth or cleaning resp gunk.or applying ointment on skin.

(iodine) good for rat bite on snake so it doesnt get infected if you feed live.

(surgical scicors) great for cuting eggs

(old fridge or wine cooler) grat for incubating eggs.

ummm i can go on with this list ill just leave some for the rest and not be greedy.lol

It is not specifically herps but a general vet disinfectant, it has been tested safe for reptiles however.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mike41793

I made it as awkward for the employee as possible. (its just my personality to but peoples balls lol). Right after he showed me where the scale was, i asked where the ziploc baggies were, but i said i needed the smallest size he had. He was like, "sorry sir, i think the smallest size we have is the sandwich size". Lmao

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LMAO, I love making things awkward!
Next time you're in Walmart try this:

Walmart employee: hey sir can I help you with anything?

Me: yeah I'm looking for some trash bags, preferably big ones.

Walmart employee: okay how big are you looking for?

Me: oh idk, like, enough to put a body in..(wait a few second)...LOL just kidding man

Their face = priceless.
:rofl:

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Originally Posted by Trackstrong83

LMAO, I love making things awkward!
Next time you're in Walmart try this:

Walmart employee: hey sir can I help you with anything?

Me: yeah I'm looking for some trash bags, preferably big ones.

Walmart employee: okay how big are you looking for?

Me: oh idk, like, enough to put a body in..(wait a few second)...LOL just kidding man

Their face = priceless.
:rofl:

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yea except i never add the just kidding part :rofl::rofl::rofl:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I can't say but Eucalyptus is listed as toxic for herps (http://www.peteducation.com/article....+1913&aid=1612) and the primary ingredient is EUCALYPTOL refined Eucalyptus oil, Thymol is from thyme and is as I know it a photochemical and menthol is mint and peppermint products. I could only guess at the effectiveness diluted but I believe the ethanol is the germ killing ingredient and it is only effective to 40%. I don't know what % in in listerine but diluted much at all it is likely not doing much as a disinfectant. The question remains how important is disinfectants? I believe the misuse is quite high and there seem to be no ill effects.

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so is thymol bad for snakes? i got some botanical disinfecting wipes and it contains thymol as the main ingredient

I can't say. I have no idea of the effects on herps at low concentrations. I have used it at my work a number of times, respirators and gloves, eye shields and body covering. Pure it is not great. The sheets are not pure and all anyone can do is guess. That is where I become leery why guess when there are proven alternatives?

Actually I just pulled a MSDS sheet on it. No, I would not recommend it, it is a methyl-phenol. Phenols are super effective disinfectants and quite toxic to reptiles. I am sure the amount is very small and it is quite possibly fine but again why take a risk for the sake of saving a few dollars. If you were to use them they need to be rinsed after use they do wash off easily and fully.

The only non-herp products I use for herps are:

Deli cups (as water dishes in my rack)
Nix (diluted in water to make a mite spray, I was in a pinch)
Travel blow dryer (to warm f/t rats right before feeding them)
Kitchen scale
Tupperwares for soaking snakes in
Salad tongs (getting things out of the cages of aggressive snakes)

That's about all I can think of for now!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by kitedemon

I can't say. I have no idea of the effects on herps at low concentrations. I have used it at my work a number of times, respirators and gloves, eye shields and body covering. Pure it is not great. The sheets are not pure and all anyone can do is guess. That is where I become leery why guess when there are proven alternatives?

Actually I just pulled a MSDS sheet on it. No, I would not recommend it, it is a methyl-phenol. Phenols are super effective disinfectants and quite toxic to reptiles. I am sure the amount is very small and it is quite possibly fine but again why take a risk for the sake of saving a few dollars. If you were to use them they need to be rinsed after use they do wash off easily and fully.

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i googled it all i came up with was it can be used as snake repelent

Light Defuser
Glad Press-n-Seal wrap
vermiculite
Blue Point laser temp gun (for automotive use)
U-Haul packing paper (just started using it as substrate)
different size plastic dollar store bowls for hides
2" ceramic ramekins for baby bowls

It's kind of funny to think about how pretty much everything surrounding our snakes isn't intended for use with reptiles.

You all listed a bunch of stuff I use (and some I don't, GOOD IDEAS!) but I'll add some other things:

• Surgical hemostats for holding f/t prey
• All sorts of cheap plastic bowls and containers as hides
• Cereal, soda and other boxes as hides
• Soldering iron for melting holes in tubs and smoothing sharp edges on plastic hides
• Pillow cases for transport
• Light bulbs the reptile ones die so fast so I just go to Home Depot and load up

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'm sure there are more but to me their only use is reptilian! :D

- Assorted shelving units and melamine turned into racks
- Binder clips to hold sterilite tub lids down tighter.
- Ramekins for water dishes
- cement mixing tubs and litter boxes for rat rack tubs
- Wire mesh for rat racks
- Newspaper
- Halves of clothes pins to secure the baby rack tubs (made of tiny kitten litter boxes) within the rack.
- Minifridges, wine coolers, computer fans to construct incubators
- Flashlight on my phone for candleing eggs, or searching the backs of dark tubs for crafty rats that haven't been eaten yet.
- Lube
- Beef or chicken boullion cubes to scent f/t rats for particularly picky snakes (fortunately, it's been a long time since I've had to try this :) )
- Light diffuser
- Distilled white vinegar to break down urates and poos that get stuck to sides of tubs and are difficult to wipe out.
- Pillowcases for transporting

I use several of them listed, but here is one I have not seen:

Old spoon - great for scraping urates out that are stuck in a tub.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Don

I use several of them listed, but here is one I have not seen:

Old spoon - great for scraping urates out that are stuck in a tub.

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Oh! Yes! We've used exactly that, old knives, paint scrapers, and.. my perfect rat-tub-cleaning-tool: the little "stand" that is supposed to hold up a rat wheel. The newer ones at petco have 3 covered "sides" with mesh witht he open side for the rat to climb in, and the 'stand' can be removed and the wheel secured directly to the side of the cage.

The leftover 'stand' makes an excellent rat tub scraper. You can see how it is shaped here:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/511SRN2ziVL.jpg

allows you to have an easy to hold handle, and because it is just a frame, the bedding and poos pass right over, and do not get clumped up as something like a paint scraper, dust pan, or other sort of scoop might. The ends are angled just right to get even the corners of the pan.

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Originally Posted by Anatopism

- Beef or chicken boullion cubes to scent f/t rats for particularly picky snakes (fortunately, it's been a long time since I've had to try this :) )

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Does this work well?? How exactly do you use them? Rub them all over?

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Originally Posted by KatStoverReptiles

Does this work well?? How exactly do you use them? Rub them all over?

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I've always thawed out rodents in hot water, then dab them dry with a towel, rather than use the blowdryer method. So long as the animal is not dripping wet (mildly damp is no problem), I haven't ever had an issue with a snake refusing from it not being perfectly dry.

While thawing the prey item in water, I just break off a piece of boullion cube into the water (doing this at the very end is usually best, in case you need to replace warm water, and end up washing away all your flavor). Then I remove, dab dry, and offer with tongs.

When scenting with gerbil/ASF/mouse/whatever bedding, I do the same thing.. soak the prey item in a hot 'tea' of filthy rodent bedding, and have had great success with getting picky eaters to eat, or to transition.